OEB to Report on Potential Projects to Expand Access to Natural Gas

Last December, the Government of Ontario announced that it intends to further increase access to natural gas by making additional projects eligible for financial support to serve communities that are not currently connected to a natural gas distribution system.

The government intends for up to $130 million in ratepayer-funded financial support to be made available for new projects that can reasonably be expected to begin construction between 2021 and 2023.

The OEB has been asked to collect and analyze information about possible projects to help the government in deciding on future natural gas expansion projects eligible to receive financial support.

When the OEB examines proposed projects put forward by proponents, it will be looking at things like:

  • technical expertise and financial capability
  • proposed project costs and timelines
  • demonstrated local support for the project
  • a demonstrated commitment to be held to the costs, timelines and volume forecasts as filed with the OEB 

The results of the OEB’s analysis will be included in a report to the Ministry of Energy, Northern Development and Mines that is due by August 31, 2020.  

The OEB issued draft Guidelines on December 19, 2019 and invited interested stakeholders to provide written comments by January 15, 2020.

The final Guidelines were issued on March 5, 2020, and were informed by and benefitted from stakeholder comments received. The letter accompanying the final Guidelines includes an overview of many of the issues raised, and the OEB’s consideration of them. 

Interested project proponents have until June 3, 2020 to file their proposed gas expansion project information with the OEB.

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TIMELINE

December 12, 2019
OEB receives Ministerial letter requesting a report

December 19, 2019
OEB develops and issues draft guidelines for stakeholder comment

January 15, 2020
Comment period for draft guidelines closes

March 5, 2020
Final guidelines issued

June 3, 2020
Period for filing proposed project information with the OEB closes

August 31, 2020
OEB delivers report to Ministry